Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Diagonal, IA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Diagonal, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.5/10 6.5/10 6.4/10 5.1/10 9.5/10
Pretty Good 41% daily 4 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.17/kw

Overview

In Diagonal, Iowa, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. With the right information, you can make an informed decision about going solar and potentially reduce your electricity bills for years to come.

Diagonal Iowa Weather Trends

Diagonal Precipitation

With 44.06 inches of precipitation in the last year, Diagonal Iowa ranks in the 36th percentile in the nation and the 96th percentile in Iowa. This means that Diagonal receives less precipitation compared to most other areas in the country and state. By harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels, you can take advantage of the sunny days in Diagonal, making it a reliable source of energy for your home.

Diagonal’s UV Rating

In the last year, Diagonal Iowa had an average UV rating of 4.14, putting it in the 51st percentile in the nation and the 72nd percentile in Iowa. This shows that Diagonal receives a moderate amount of UV radiation, making it a suitable location for solar panel installation. By converting sunlight into electricity, you can reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and lower your carbon footprint for a more sustainable future.

Diagonal’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 41% cloud cover in the last year, Diagonal Iowa falls in the 35th percentile in the nation and the 33rd percentile in Iowa. This indicates that Diagonal experiences relatively clear skies, ideal for maximizing solar energy production. By investing in solar panels, you can capitalize on the sunny days in Diagonal and generate clean, renewable energy for your home.

Diagonal Iowa Electricity Costs

Diagonal Iowa residents pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, placing them in the 95th percentile in the nation and the 100th percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, electricity costs in Diagonal are higher. By installing solar panels, you can offset these high electricity expenses and potentially save money on your energy bills in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Diagonal Iowa?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Diagonal, Iowa, let’s break down the investment in solar panels and see how long it would take to make up the initial cost.

First, let’s look at the weather data:

  • Diagonal, Iowa receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panel installation.
  • The UV ratings in Diagonal are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power effectively.
  • Cloud cover in Diagonal, Iowa is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Diagonal, Iowa pay more for electricity compared to the national average.

With this information, let’s break down the costs:

  • A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
  • This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.

To find out how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power. Here’s how:

  • The system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid and saving costs.
  • Given the higher electricity rates in Diagonal, Iowa, the savings from using solar power are even more significant.

After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take about 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for many years, the savings will continue to accumulate for a long time. Installing solar panels is a smart financial decision that not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Investing in solar power in Diagonal Iowa

Installing solar panels in Diagonal, Iowa can be a wise financial decision that not only helps you save money on electricity bills but also contributes to a more sustainable future. By taking advantage of the sunny days, moderate UV radiation, and clear skies in Diagonal, you can generate clean, renewable energy for your home. With higher electricity costs in the area, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run. By breaking even on the initial cost in about 5 years, you can enjoy reduced energy expenses for many years to come. Consider going solar to make an informed choice that benefits your wallet and the environment.